How to Remove a Stuck CD from a Car CD Player

Last Updated: November 1, 2022

Dash-mounted CD players in cars present unique problems when CDs become stuck - because they're installed into the car itself, you can only manipulate, poke, and otherwise handle them from one angle, unless you're willing to remove and disassemble the player itself. Thus, stuck CDs in cars can be a particularly annoying problem. Luckily, a variety of DIY fixes exist for this common headache. Note, however, that, if done improperly, some of these fixes can damage your player (or the CD stuck in it). The advice in this article shouldn't be a substitute for the opinion of an automotive expert. See Step 1 below to get started.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Using the Power and Eject Buttons

1
Turn the car off. Some CD players have a "force eject" function that's specifically designed to get CDs out when other methods have failed. Because this method doesn't require you to tamper with your CD player in any way, it's smart to start here - you have nothing to lose if it doesn't work. First, turn your car off if it isn't already.^{[1]
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2
While the car is off, hold the power and the eject button. Press your CD player's power and eject buttons down at the same time, holding them for about ten seconds. If your stereo has a "force eject" feature, it should spit out the CD.

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3
If this doesn't work, start the car and try again. Some CD players may not function when the car is turned off. For these players, try pressing and holding the power and eject buttons while the car is running.
4
Consult the player's manual. The power + eject button combination is one common "force eject" command, but many CD players may require different button inputs to eject a stuck CD. If you still have it, consult your CD player's owner's manual, which should include information on this and other functions that can help you retrieve your CD.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Using an Extra CD

1
Grab a blank or useless CD. This method involves inserting a second CD into the player, so, to prevent damage to a beloved album, try to procure a blank CD or one that you otherwise don't care about.
- Turn the CD player on before proceeding. If this requires you to start the car, then start the car and turn the CD player on.
- Note: This method, like several others in this article, carries the risk of damage to the stuck CD or the player itself. Use caution when inserting any foreign objects into your CD player. If you're ever worried about damaging your CD player, stop and take your problem to a professional.
2
Place the second CD about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep into the slot. Your CD should be above the stuck CD. With luck, you'll be able to feel the stuck CD slide beneath the one in your hand.
3
Press the 'Eject' button and gently wiggle the CD around. By doing this, you are attempting to give the stuck CD traction against the mechanism that the player uses to eject it.^{[2]
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Research source} If you feel the stuck CD start to eject, to care to ensure that it doesn't become sandwiched between the second CD and the edge of the CD slot.
- If this doesn't work, repeat, but try to get the blank CD below the the jammed CD, then gently pry it upwards. CD players can differ in their precise ejection mechanism, so sometimes upward pressure can be more successful in giving the ejection mechanism traction on a stuck CD than downward pressure.
4
Apply pressure to the unit. Sometimes, applying pressure to the unit itself can help the stuck CD gain traction. If the player is mounted in such a way that it's near the upper surface of the dashboard, you may have success repeating the steps in this method while pressing or gently but firmly smacking the area of the dashboard above the player.
- Note that, while some have had success by banging on the dash, this can damage delicate components of the center console, so it is not recommended if your car has a GPS, etc. between the CD player and the top surface of the dashboard.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Performing an Electrical Reset

1
Write down your radio presets and audio settings. This method is useful when you can't remove a CD because your CD player will no longer turn on. This method involves disconnecting, then reconnecting the electrical supply to the CD player. For most CD players, this means that any radio presets you've set will be erased and your personal audio settings will be reset to their defaults. If you're an avid listener of music in your car, make sure you record your personal settings so they can easily be restored afterward.
2
Turn the car off and open the hood. When manipulating or altering your car's electrical system, it's important to ensure you're not in danger of electrocution. Turn the car off and remove the keys from the ignition, then open the hood for access to the battery.
3
Disconnect the battery's negative terminal. The negative terminal on a car's battery is colored black, while the positive terminal is colored red. Carefully disconnect the negative terminal. Some terminals may require you to use a small wrench or pliers to loosen a nut before removing the wire connection.^{[3]
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4
Wait 10 seconds, then reconnect the terminal. After reconnecting the terminal, tun the car on and try to eject the CD as normal. Disconnecting then reconnecting the CD player's power supply can cause the CD player to "reset" to its factory default, which, in some cases, can restore its ejection functionality.
5
If the CD player still won't turn on, replace its fuse. Check your owner's manual - often, a car's fuse box will be behind a panel somewhere on the driver's side of the dashboard. Disconnect the battery, remove the fuse box's protective covering, then, consulting your owner's manual, replace any of your CD player's fuses that may have blown.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Using a Taped Knife or Stick

1
Reduce electrocution risk. In this method, you insert a long, flat knife or similar object directly into the CD player. Knives made from metal conduct electricity, so, if you have an object made from wood or plastic that will work (like, for instance, a popsicle stick), use it. If not, be sure to disconnect all power supplies from the CD player and make sure any electrical charge has been removed. Turn the car and the CD player off and disconnect the negative terminal of your car's battery.^{[4]
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- Note: As with other methods described in this article, this method carries the risk of damage to the stuck CD or the CD player itself. If you don't want to put your property at risk, take your car to a trained automotive professional.
2
Wrap tape (sticky side out) around the end of a putty knife (or similar object). Use a strong tape like Gorilla tape for best results. Putty knives are typically tapered so that if you wrap the tape tight enough, it will not slide off the end. If you're using another object, like a popsicle stick, which doesn't taper, you may need to stick the tape to the object, wrap it around several times, then put a twist in the tape and wrap it around several more times to make sure the tape is adequately secured to the object.
3
Stick a thin piece of paper on one side of the knife. Because your knife (or stick, etc.) is now covered with sticky tape, it can be difficult to insert it into the CD player. To make this process easier, use paper to make one side of your knife smooth. Stick a small piece of printer or construction paper onto your knife. Trim the paper with scissors so that it matches the size and shape of the knife.
4
Insert the knife into CD player, sticky side down. Delicately wiggle your knife to feel for the top of the CD. Press down gently to get the tape to stick to the CD. When you feel that your knife is stuck to the CD, gently try to lift and remove the CD.

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Using a Plastic Card and Screwdriver

1
Reduce electrocution risk. As above, disconnect all power supplies from the CD player and make sure any electrical charge has been removed. Turn the car and CD player off and disconnect the battery's negative terminal.
- Note: If done improperly, this method may scratch or otherwise damage your CD and/or CD player. As always, use caution, and, if you're ever in doubt, contact an auto repair expert.
2
Grab a stiff plastic card, like a drivers license or credit card. For this method, you want a card that's thin but sturdy. Use an expired credit card or a similar object - preferably, one that's not important, in case you lose it or it breaks. Stick double-sided scotch tape on one side of the card, near the edge of one of the two narrow ends.
- Alternatively, you can use single-sided tape, sticking the tape to the card, putting a twist in it, then wrapping it around the card several times.
3
Grab a thin-stemmed flat head screwdriver. This method, though similar to the putty knife method above, differs in that it uses a screwdriver to assist with sticking the card to the CD. You'll want a fairly short, thin flat head screwdriver. Use a screwdriver that's as thin as possible, as you'll need to partially insert it into the CD slot.
4
Insert the card into the slot ABOVE the stuck CD (sticky side down). You may need to use the screwdriver to guide the card, ensuring it goes in above the CD and does not stick to the CD until after you get ¹⁄₂ to ³⁄₄ inch (1.3 to 1.9 cm) of the card in.
5
With the card inserted, slide the screwdriver above the card. Use the screwdriver to gently press down on the card. This should cause the tape on the bottom side of the card to stick to the top side of the stuck CD.
6
Remove the screwdriver, then slowly pull the card out. With luck, the CD should come with the card. If not, try repeating the previous steps.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I remove two CDs stuck in a player?

Community Answer

I wrapped some duct tape around a credit card and was able to get out the three CDs my baby brother jammed in our player.
Question

What if I have two stuck CDs?

Community Answer

Try using the same method as in this article. But, if using the card method, use two cards, one on top and one on the bottom.
Question

How do I remove a broken CD from my car's CD player?

Community Answer

Take out the radio system, dismantle the radio (be careful not to touch the circuit board), then remove the CD player part and fine a way to get it out.